IX. Graduate Programs

Plant Agriculture

Courses

Plant Breeding and Genetics

The practical consideration of genetic theory and biological limitations to improving plant populations and developing cultivars
are discussed. Current and emerging breeding methodologies and sources of variation used to achieve plant breeding goals are
examined through lectures, paper discussion, site visits and invited talks.

Fundamentals of quantitative genetics. Topics include gene and genotype frequencies means, variances, covariances and resemblance
among relatives. Lecture topics are expanded through discussion of classic and current papers.

A lecture and discussion course examining the underlying principles of genetics and the recent advances in plant genetics.
Topics include: structure of the genome, experiments to measure and experimentally describe phenotypes, population structures,
and molecular basis of inheritance of a phenotype.

The goal of this course is to provide an introductory understanding of the databases and methods used in computational molecular
biology research. Topics include: reviewing major molecular databases and their structures, constructing sequence alignments,
constructing phylogenics, and finding motifs and genes in biological sequences. Lab sessions include an introduction to Unix
and Perl for the biologist and hands-on use of several molecular data analysis programs.

Plant Biochemistry and Physiology

This course covers factors affecting biomass production and yield, with primary focus on phenomena measured at the whole canopy
scale. Yield-limiting abiotic stresses (temperature, water deficit, nutrient deficiency) are considered in detail, as are
technical aspects of instrumentation used in crop physiology research. (Offered annually)

The course is primarily intended to address science and technology aspects of fruits and vegetables, with specific reference
to storage, packaging, quality, processing, products and ingredients, health regulatory properties and biotechnology issues.
Methods of instruction include lectures and seminars. Students are evaluated during their seminar presentations, term papers
and participation in discussions.

This course explores current concepts and approaches to managing pathogens and diseases in detail but other methods (e.g.
genetic resistance) will be presented as well. Offered in conjunction with PBIO*4070. Extra work is required of graduate students.

A comprehensive examination of the metabolic mechanisms and versatility whereby autotrophic organisms sustain themselves.
Emphasis is placed on our current understanding of the regulation and integration of metabolic processes in plants and their
physiological and agricultural significance including available research methodologies.

A comprehensive analysis of the metabolism and roles of natural products in plants. Emphasis is placed on the distinction
between secondary and primary processes, and the composition, detection, and regulation of the biosynthesis, modification
and turnover of natural products. Key research methodologies and the roles of natural products in abiotic and biotic stresses
and their effects on human health are discussed.

Offering(s):

Offered in even-numbered years.

Department(s):

Department of Plant Agriculture

Crop Production Systems

This course explores current concepts and approaches to managing pathogens and diseases in detail but other methods (e.g.
genetic resistance) will be presented as well. Offered in conjunction with PBIO*4070. Extra work is required of graduate students.

This course provides a comprehensive study of the major herbicide groups. The various herbicide groups will be discussed under
the following topics: herbicide uptake and translocation, herbicide mode of action, herbicide selectivity, weeds controlled
and crop injury.

This lecture-based course critically analyzes the agroecosystem in field crop, horticulture, turfgrass and greenhouse industries.
Agroecosystem design is considered in relation to key components such as crop rotation and management of soil, nutrient and
water supply. The significance of plant function, soil properties, and nutrient and water cycles to agroecosystem design are
examined. Metrics of productivity and environmental sustainability serve to focus discussion on agroecosystem optimization.

This course focuses on the ecological principles that are important in understanding the potential for a plant species to
become invasive. Students are able to use this knowledge to facilitate management of these species under field conditions.

The application of statistical techniques to research in plant agriculture. SAS is the software used to perform data analysis.
Emphasis is placed on statistical principles, the design of experiments, the testing of hypotheses, and communication of findings
to other scientists.

A field course designed to increase student's knowledge of primary field and animal agricultural production systems, to explore
the environmental and political issues related to international agriculture, and to understand the role of agri-business in
the rural economy.

A study of selected contemporary topics in plant science. Proposed course descriptions are considered by the Department of
Plant Agriculture on an ad hoc basis, and the course is offered according to demand.